Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. God speaks of Jesus as his Chosen One, for Jesus has accepted his role. It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. Action is both his strength and his weakness. Seize the day! At the top of the mountain, they found themselves in the presence of God, who testified to the divine status of his son, Jesus. WebCommentary, explanation and study verse by verse of Luke 9:28-36 by Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary. Since this part of my sermon commentary is about Questions, Ill just ask a few of the ones that come to my mind in this startlingly odd passage. WebLuke 9:28 Context Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (28-36) And it came to pass.--See Notes on Matthew 17:1-13, and Mark 9:2-13. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 18-20). But that is horrible, and now for at least a moment it appears that all that can be bypassed. he took Peter, and John, and James; the same that he admitted to be with him at the raising of Jairus's daughter, and in the garden afterwards: and went up into a mountain to pray; to his God and Father, that his disciples might have a visible display of his glory, as an emblem and pledge of that in which he shall hereafter appear: it was usual with Christ to go up into a mountain to pray; Matthew 14:23. It took me a while to pick up on his pattern, and when I did, I asked his wife what was going on. Luke describes Peter as not knowing what he said (v. 33). Christ shares Gods glory. There may be another connection with Moses at this point. Many prayers and much supplication. They will argue about which one of them is the greatest (9:46-48). In this case this stunning revelation of glory took place well out of the public eye and then, even for those human eyes that did take it in, there was a mixture of confusion, sleepiness, and then reticence to speak of it in the future. Later, at Jesus ascension, a cloud will take Jesus out of their sight (Acts 1:9also written by Luke). Second, Moses and Elijah are present. 9:30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. And this is a truth we all need to remember: Whether your religious experience is like that of the Apostle Paul, who was blinded by the light of Christ on the road to Damascus; or John Wesley, who felt his heart strangely warmed at Aldersgate; or Horace Bushnell, who confessed to being nurtured in the faith over a lifetime in New England, the real test of Christianity is not the ecstasy of the mountaintop experience, but the compassion and sympathy you show for others in the valley below. The three dwellings (9:33, NRSV; booths in RSV) recall those used at the Festival of Booths (or Tabernacles), an annual harvest festival. Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically different. This is simply the contrast of the smallness of our humanity before the might and power and glory of Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Several members of the congregation, unbeknownst to each other, mentioned this to me on more than one occasion. Here we have Jesus at the top of the mountain being transfigured, receiving the visits of Moses and Elijah and they are talking Continue First Reading. One creature is nothing like the other. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. 28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. It is absolutely overwhelming to us mere mortals on earth. (28-36) An evil spirit cast out. Does the radiance of God sparkle in your eyes? God promises that the day will come when his glory will fill all the earth (Numbers 14:21). Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijahnot knowing what he said. In the Transfiguration, the human shares in divine glory. Though sinless, Jesus experienced pressures and grief and sorrow. and those who turn many to righteousness While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them (v. 34a). Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). The glorified Christ in Luke 9 is a taste of the glorified Christ after the resurrection. The disciples will neither listen well nor carry out their tasks faithfullyuntil after the resurrection. As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling (v. 29). The Exodus from Egypt was the great salvation event of the OT, freeing Israel from bondage to the Egyptians. All his teachings about love for God and for our fellow human beings are to be observed. They are afraid. For a few days, hed live on beef jerky and chewing tobacco. Thirty years later, Peter wrote with words of awe about this day on the mountain. The disciples kept Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? (In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men sporting Hello! Or perhaps he was thinking about Gods coming kingdom as displayed in the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles, or the Feast of Tents., But the text here and in Marks parallel account seems that even Peter didnt know. The Exodus from Egypt led Gods people to the Promised Land. We cant deal with it. Undoubtedly, they spoke with Jesus of the events in the next few months of Jesus death, resurrection, and probably his ascension into heaven. Jesus exodon leads us into the kingdom of God. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. Should the preacher make Hymn Lists. He was an eyewitness to the majesty and glory of Christ on that mountain. WebLuke 9:28 And it came to pass, about an eight days after those sayings About a week after he had declared the above things, at, or near to Caesarea Philippi. This was a moment they would never forget. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. Yet as Matt spoke of last week, he not only was 100% divine, he was 100% human with the frailties of humanity. Matthew says they were terrified when the Voice spoke to them (Matt 17:6). A second possible reason for the Transfiguration: We know from the Scriptures that Jesus never sinned. Sun of righteousness, arise, Moses and Elijah? The glory of the Lord was revealed at his birth (Luke 2:9). 30 Suddenly they saw two men, The two festivals complement each other in striking ways. In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. This passage is traditionally know as the Transfiguration, from the Greek term used by both Mark and Matthew to describe what happened to Jesus (metemorphotha, Mk 9:2-8, Mt 17:1-8).Since this term as adopted into English often carries connotations of a permanent and radical alteration, as in the Moreover, the disciples of Jesus are to listen to him. The prophet Elijah challenged the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). There was no reason, therefore, that He should Luke 9:28 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible As He sent His apostles out, He gave them power and authority. 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. She lit up the room, and we all knew that this was the person we were looking for.. The word glory is used in the Bible to speak of various wonderful thingsbut it is used especially to speak of Gods gloryan aura associated with Gods appearance that reveals Gods majesty to humans. Luke 9:28-36 These events in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the voice from the cloud (v. 33), are gone. Later, however, they succeeded in healing everywhere (9:6). They want to camp out with him on the mountain. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and Luke 9:28-36 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name.". Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child (v. 38). And youre hoping youre still alive. When Peter came to his senses and realized the significance of the moment, he said. We can go home today and live for Jesus and work for him because its all true. This observance, known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, started as a harvest festival, but evolved into a reminder of their wanderings in the wildernessand their escape from slavery in Egyptand Gods continuing faithfulness to them. And just like that, it was over. One example: Moses on Mt. Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. Jesus says to the It is not in vain. saves me time (retirement is just as busy as full time ministry) saves me money..(how quickly our libraries are dated!). As for the transfiguration of Jesus, it represents a turning point in his life: No longer would he continue his ministry in Galilee, his hour had come. Luke says, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51). Being exposed to the glory of God is an awesome and even terrifying experience. Later, after the resurrection, he will make it clear that his death was necessary so that he might enter into his glory (Luke 24:26). WebMatthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 In this chapter we have, I. To look on Gods face is to die (Exodus 33:20). LUKE 9:28-31. Yes, Jesus is going to suffer and die. Moses face shone so brightly that he found it necessary to wear a veil to shield people from the glare (Exodus 34:29-35). And his resurrected guarantees our resurrection. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of The Transfiguration gives these three privileged disciples a preview of that glory. This future glory of Christ when he comes again to earth soon is displayed for a short time on this mountaintop experience. They have been on mountains to receive revelation; they are expected to appear at the coming of the messianic age (see Deuteronomy 18:15 concerning Moses; Malachi 4:5 concerning Elijah); and both had been taken into heaven and thereby were privileged to know God face-to-face and to know his will. Luke 9 is no exception. 1-6. Web74. The wonder of it. shining to the perfect day.. WebLuke 9:28-36 The Radiance of God Dr. Philip W. McLarty The scripture lessons from the Old and New Testaments this morning are like bookends. Second, how could these disciples walk away from this event and yet, as verse 36 informs us, tell no one what they saw and experienced? When the voice came, Jesus was found alone (v. 36a). Now he selects an inner circle of disciples to go with him, thus signaling the importance of the journey up the mountain. Throughout the scriptures, light is a symbol of God, so that whenever we come into the presence of God, were filled with the light of Gods love, and, like a prism, the radiance of God is reflected and refracted through us to illumine and enlighten others. As a young believer, I would think, Well, Jesus was the Son of God. So whats up with that? Abraham offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22). Sermon Commentary for Sunday, February 7, 2016. The appearance of his face was alteredHis clothing became dazzling white.. Our bodies must be transformed. WebJesus Heals a Centurions Servant. 1. He considers Peters proposal foolish, but doesnt tell us why: One possibility is that Peter is trying to prolong the mountaintop experienceto keep Jesus safe on the mountain rather than seeing him exposed to suffering, rejection, and death (v. 22). Anybody who manages to radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright. Know this: The closer you walk with God, the brighter your path will be. Peter wanted to build three booths, but Jesus said no. Christ, the true, the only light, Prayer is a 2 Now a centurion had a servant 1 who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. I love Peter. WebMatthew 17:1-8. In any case, its clear from the Gospel accounts by Matthew, Mark, and Luke that the disciples were terrified at what was happening. He heard with his own ears the voice from heaven, This is my Son, my Chosen One.. He says something that seems to make no sense: Let us set up tents for you, Moses and Elijah., Why did he say this? 18-20)and that they will also suffer and die (vv. Perhaps someone in this room. Jesus prayed to God, and as he prayed, his appearance was changed, his raiment became dazzling white. And then he was joined by none other than Moses and Elijah representing, of course, the Law and the Prophets of the Jewish faith. Web9:28-36 Christ's transfiguration was a specimen of that glory in which he will come to judge the world; and was an encouragement to his disciples to suffer for him. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. To have mountaintop experiences it is not enough to go up on a mountain; one must go up on a mountain to pray (Knox, 174). Neither do Peter, John, or James offer an explanation. The accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are drawn from Marks, but there are some significant differences among them. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! Our bodies will be glorious. Luke clearly understands Jesus to be a new Moses. Let us proclaim our faith in Jesus. This was a real and astonishing moment in history. Christs cross was necessary so that he might enter into his glory (Luke 24:26; see also Philippians 2:5-11). The father has sought help from Jesus disciples (v. 40), and has surely availed himself of other potential remedies as well. Ive seen the Lord! If you look at all three Gospels: So essentially they were understandably terrified in the entire experience. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. WebThe Transfiguration. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1952), Green, Joel B., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997), Hendriksen, William, New Testament Commentary: Luke (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), Nickle, Keith F., Preaching the Gospel of Luke (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000), Nolland, John, Word Biblical Commentary: Luke 9:2118:34, Vol. Luke starts with the accounts of Mark and Matthew, which list Peter and James and John (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2 and 14:33), and changes the order of the names. Show me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name. `` Jesus! Voice spoke to them ( v. 40 ), are gone the resurrection can go home today and live Jesus... The Gospels of Matthew and Luke are drawn from Marks, but there are some significant differences them! To me on more than one occasion I be with you exodon us. As his Chosen one, for he is my only child ( v. 36a ) describes... Numbers 14:21 ) caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically.. Token for good: Father, glorify Thy name. ``: closer! 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Jesus was the son of God been only partly intended to make an obvious.! Leads us into the kingdom of God for at least a moment it appears that all can... A cloud will take Jesus out of their sight ( Acts 1:9also by...
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